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Keep trick-or-treaters safe

They’re on a mission and moving fast. After all, for just a few short, precious hours, there’s free candy for the taking. So one by one, under cover of darkness, they’ll make a beeline through the gate, along the walkway, past the shrubs, up the steps and straight to your door.

Most of the time, things go off without a hitch. But accidents can and do happen when little kids, decked out in costumes that partially cover their eyes, scamper around on surfaces that may be wet, uneven or strewn with moist, slippery leaves.

With a view to helping homeowners accident-proof their yards, KB Home has collected suggestions for preventing Halloween-night mishaps. Of course, every home is different, and homeowners should treat these as general guidelines, not a comprehensive safety checklist.

Welcome trick-or-treaters with your porch lights and any exterior lights on.

Check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs.

Carefully check driveways, yards and sidewalks and remove anything a child could trip over, such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations.

Make sure there is adequate lighting for steps, porches and stoops; keep these areas free of electrical cords and other objects, including sticks and wet leaves, that might trip up visitors.

Keep dogs and other pets away from doors to avoid scaring children.

Sweep wet leaves from sidewalks and driveways

Use extreme caution when decorating with candles, and supervise children at all times when candles are lit.

When lighting candles inside Jack-O-Lanterns, use long, fireplace-style matches and place lit pumpkins well away from all combustible items. Or, consider using flashlights instead of candles.

Firmly fasten and secure all props and decorations to protect young ones who might be inclined to lean against, touch, or pull down unsecured objects.

Refrain from using curbside decorations, which deliver suddenly shocking pranks that may cause frightened youngsters to bolt from your property into the streets.